CFIDS Association Announces New CEO

The Solve ME/CFS Initiative is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new President and CEO, Ms. Carol Head.

Carol is an executive with more than 25 years success in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She’s an experienced business owner, corporate executive, communicator and problem-solver.

In the private sector, she most recently served as CEO of two companies. Previously, she served as vice president of marketing for two internet-based companies. Carol also spent eight years as an executive at the Los Angeles Times in a variety of marketing and strategy roles. She served as associate vice president of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee.

Carol has been active in community affairs, serving on three national non-profit boards, including service as a board chair. Carol is a founder of Project Redwood, a venture philanthropy fund which supports creative approaches to alleviating extreme global poverty.

Carol received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wellesley College, and earned an MBA from Stanford University.

“As we continue to chart our course forward, Carol’s experience and expertise will strengthen the comprehensive strategic plan already underway. With Carol at the helm, the leadership team will continue to put the patient at the center of the Association’s research initiatives. This team has the expertise needed to deliver strong forward momentum,” said Board Vice Chairman Victoria J. Boies, PsyD, who led the transition effort for the Board.

Carol knows first-hand the despair of being disabled by ME/CFS: she was very ill for several years in the 1980s and then experienced years of gradual improvement. Carol recognizes that her experience is unusual.

“I am deeply gratified by the opportunity to play a role in solving ME/CFS. It’s unacceptable that we are still so far from solving this. It’s unacceptable that we don’t know why we get sick or why some of us get better,” said Carol. “No one should have to experience this illness. When I became ill with ME/CFS, I discovered the Solve ME/CFS Initiative, and I recall the deep sense of relief that I was not alone. I never dreamed that I’d have the opportunity to use my management experience and entrepreneurial drive to join the fight to solve ME/CFS. I look forward to working with patients, researchers, funders, and government agencies as we drive forward to eradicate this debilitating illness.”

“I am excited for faster progress along the path ahead, confident in the direction of the Association, and delighted that Carol has stepped into this leadership role. Her combination of expertise, experience, and empathy will ensure the steady, strategic expansion of programs and services to help patients and solve ME/CFS,” said Amy Squires, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

About the Solve ME/CFS InitiativeThe Solve ME/CFS Initiative has been at the leading edge of ME/CFS research, policy and education for more than 25 years. The Association responsibly represents the needs of ME/CFS patients and their loved ones, working to make ME/CFS widely understood, diagnosable and treatable.

Inspired by the courage and passion of volunteers and fueled by gifts small and large from supporters committed to a vision of a world without ME/CFS, The Solve ME/CFS Initiative leads with purpose, collaboration, respect, integrity and innovation.